Vienna meets Vilnius: Workshop on the dual training system and train-the-trainer masterclass for confectioners at the VESK vocational school

3-LoE Blog

Vienna meets Vilnius: Workshop on the dual training system and train-the-trainer masterclass for confectioners at the VESK vocational school

An intensive exchange between Lithuania and Austria took place as part of the EU-funded 3 LoE project.

At the VESK vocational school in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Austrian model of dual vocational training was presented and discussed by the Institute for Applied Research on Skilled Crafts and Trades. This workshop served to present the many facets, facts and figures of the dual system in Austria and to highlight the advantages from a company's perspective. The new law on higher vocational education and training (HBB), which enables the development of new practical vocational qualifications in Austria, was also discussed. These respond to specific needs on the labor market, can be acquired alongside work and thus enable specialist and management careers.

Following this informative workshop, a special two-day confectionery workshop was held from 20.03. to 21.03.2024 in cooperation with the VESK vocational school. This workshop was aimed at both vocational school teachers and adult vocational school students. Organized by the IAGF, two outstanding experts in the confectionery trade were brought in for this "Train the Trainer Masterclass": Veronika Schmidt, an experienced skills expert, and Anna Sauer, the reigning European confectionery champion.

Both trainers work in the renowned pastry shop at Café Central in Vienna, where they produce exquisite confectionery. They also train participants for international competitions such as the Euro and World Skills. During the masterclass in Vilnius, Veronika Schmidt and Anna Sauer were able to pass on their extensive specialist knowledge and expertise in the field of Austrian cuisine, in particular pastry culture, interpreted in a modern way, to the participants.

Through practical demonstrations and interactive training methods, the trainers succeeded in getting the participants excited about the finer points of Austrian baking. They taught techniques and recipes that covered both traditional and contemporary aspects of the Austrian art of confectionery. The participants benefited enormously from the international experience and professional skills of the two experts, giving them new perspectives and inspiration for their professional practice.

Overall, the cooperation between Austria and Lithuania as part of the EU co-financed project 3 LoE was a great success. The event promoted international exchange in general and strengthened vocational training in the confectionery trade in both Austria and Lithuania.